I’m guilty, I admit it. I.waste.too.much.time. There, I said it, that feels better. Can you really teach an old dog new tricks? I have some bad habits I need to change. Since I lost my job however many years ago (it’s hard to remember) I’ve been free to do what I want when I want for the most part. That is NOT good for me. I know that if I don’t get to something today, that I can generally put it off till tomorrow. That’s what I do, but sometimes tomorrow never comes.
See that definition? Proposal for DOING or ACHIEVING something. DECIDE on and ARRANGE in ADVANCE. That’s what I don’t do…
Things must change! I need to have a schedule—a work schedule, a housecleaning schedule, possibly a weekly menu, and even some kind of exercise routine. I feel like I’m being buried alive by clutter. I need to make time to get my life and my home in order. That’s where the word of the year comes in. My word for 2013 is PLAN. I must make plans, and stick to them in order to ACHIEVE anything.
I have found a few things on Pinterest that I may try—weekly schedule, and even this great tip about “prime” real estate. Last year I printed out a great monthly list of things to do. LAST year! I still have it—it’s been floating around the house for the last 12 months, which speaks volumes! Then there’s the 40 bags in 40 days! That’s probably the one I need to start with.
Apparently when I do purge and organize, it only lasts about a year. I last did it two years ago, and it all stayed so neat for a very long time. But, little by little stuff started creeping in to clutter my clean closets, and shelves. Oh how I wish I were a neat freak! But, alas, I am not. My main problem is organization. Finding a place to put stuff. That’s what I always blame it on. IF I knew where to put IT, it would be put away.
One of the first things I need to tackle is a system for taxes. I have receipts and invoices all piled in one envelope. I need a plan to arrange it all for the new year.
I have joined Peter Walsh on Facebook. He is doing a 31 day clutter buster challenge. A new 10 minute task each day for the next month. I actually started a new blog on a whim yesterday, it’s called MRL IRL (My Repurposed Life In Real Life). It’s more of a personal journal of this new journey I’m on to get control of my life.
Please tell me I’m not alone with my clutter dilemma. Do you struggle with these things? Do you have a plan that works for you that can help me?
gail
Cindy * Daisies and Crazies says
January 29, 2013 at 7:51 pmMy friend, I can relate to every word you wrote. In fact, I also joined the Peter Walsh #31Days2GetOrganized but then fell off the wagon after about 11 days. *hangs head in shame*
AND I finally just got around to posting my word for the year. haha Here it is, if you’d like to take a peek. xo
http://www.daisiesandcrazies.com/2013/01/29/my-word-of-the-year-for-2013/
Gail Wilson says
January 29, 2013 at 1:32 pmOhh, it’s been almost a month of this new year. The word was a good choice, but I’m not working it so well. I mean–it’s better than it was, but not as good as I had hoped for. 🙂
gail
Izzie @ Shiny Happy Home says
January 29, 2013 at 9:37 amCertainly a good word for the year…fail to plan, plan to fail…it’s so true. My word of the year is commit!
I'm Busy Procrastinating says
January 13, 2013 at 9:33 pmMy word of the year is DO. I’m such a procrastinator, hence my blog name, so I need to get better at DOING! It’s already helped me get some mundane tasks done last week. Now here’s hoping it helps me get my basement cleaned up so I can get back to refinishing some furniture soon in my basement workroom. (Which is currently full of junk from the past 6 months!)
Susan says
January 4, 2013 at 11:52 pmOh and you can check out my Word of the Year here: http://livingrichonless.com/?p=2151
Susan says
January 4, 2013 at 11:49 pmWhew! Gail, I am so glad I’m not alone in my struggle with this. I’ve got some serious guilt heaped on myself for having a blog that often focuses on organizing, while I struggle with getting myself organized! Thanks for sharing. I’ll be checking out your new blog. Will you be attending Haven this year?
shaunanagins.com says
January 3, 2013 at 8:49 amInteresting! I’ve always said that I favour “outlines” over “plans”…but, then, last years resolution on my end was to “make more lists” so I suppose we aren’t so different.
This year, I chose “Adventure” as my word (http://bit.ly/UJMsXS). May be a little (lot?) different than yours, but I wish you so very much luck!
Corn in my Coffee-Pot says
January 3, 2013 at 4:33 amOh gail! “PLAN” is speaking my language. My problem? well, one of them? is the PLAN…I’m an OVER planner. I make big plans, perfect plans, elaborate plans, good plans, plan B, the ultimate plan, a better plan, ….you get the idea?
Why? because I’m a perfectionist…and it is to my detriment. Yes. I don’t follow through.
So there are unfinished projects, stacks of bills, paper work, clutter… rooms!
All of it.
I’m clicking over to your new blog!!!!! that is exciting.
Patricia
You are not alone. Creativity needs a Plan. Love your word.
Marla and Steve says
January 3, 2013 at 1:20 amGirlfriend I feel your pain! People always think I’m so organized but I just hide it well. You should see my drawers – the ones in my bathroom look like Walmart dumped their makeup section into it and then stirred all the powder out. My undies drawer is a nightmare. Full butt, thong, ouch, socks, undies with holes, socks with holes, good undies, good socks – it’s all there and I spend waaaayyyy too much time rifling thru the mess. I need to purge purge purge. 🙂
Laurel Stephens says
January 2, 2013 at 8:19 pmHi Gail, I’m sad to see your shoulder is still causing you trouble (after I’ve caught up on two months of past missed posts.) Dang it! On the positive side, your blog is still the terrific one it’s always been and the best source of ideas and diy information I know. I’m inspired by all you do in spite of your painful shoulder, especially your service projects. And I’m pretty much in awe that you’ve started a cool new blog to hold yourself accountable for your new 2013 word, PLAN. (I just love its enthusiasm and humor.) Here’s to an awesome New Year with my sincerest wishes for restored good health and great success at planning.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
January 2, 2013 at 6:21 pmthat is a really good one! sort of opposite of my resolution to take things day by day. 😉 i need to relax more and plan less i think!
Mimi@blueroofcabin says
January 2, 2013 at 6:02 pmOh my we are twins. I have the same struggles. I need to organize myself and my days better as well. Plan, good word. I will be following along for motivation 😉
Stephanie says
January 2, 2013 at 5:36 pmHow funny that is my word! Not that I pick a word like you do, but I just told Woidy that I am going to plan to see my family I never see (well the ones I want to see lol) and I want to plan to go places, like mini vacations. Or heck plan a vacation period. We haven’t gone anywhere for at least 5 years. I remember when you purged your closet in your bathroom, I can’t believe it was that long ago. See how time flies? Love your word Gail!
Oklahomaredhead says
January 2, 2013 at 5:32 pmGreat word for this year. Mine is “Trust”. Trusting God to lead me and me to hear and be obedient. I’m starting the year doing FlyLady’s schedule for cleaning. I tweaked it to fit my work schedule. Nothing like a good plan to get your life in order. I’ve also have a plan for organizing and getting rid of stuff that I’ve not touched in over a year or even more. Plan to have my house in tip top shape by year end.
Shannon says
January 2, 2013 at 4:41 pmI am with you totally. I end up feeling like a failure from not getting things done. I learned to sew this year so I print or save every pattern I see. Went nuts buying fabric and supplies. I am 40, disabled and Mommy to a wonderful 16 month old. I have to do better to be a happy person again.
Now a lovely Silhouette Cameo for Christmas. I need to plan so I can enjoy all these blessings and have freedom to enjoy them. FOCUS would help, and not focusing on technology, my biggest time stealer. Thanks for knowing I’m not alone.
Mindi@MyLove2Create says
January 2, 2013 at 4:12 pmThat is a great word Gail, I have the EXACT same problem. And let me tell ya the clutter gets stacked up at my house pretty quickly with 8 people! I don’t really have a great plan, but I am going to adopt your ideas and see how they work for me! I really like the 10 minutes a day idea, except I am sure it will turn out longer and that is ok! Good Luck to you and thanks for inspiring me!
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking says
January 2, 2013 at 4:03 pmGail we are much alike. I have too much clutter and I’m easily distracted by things such as the computer, when I have other things I should be doing. I think I need a drill sergeant!
Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama says
January 2, 2013 at 2:41 pmI feel your pain Gail,, Im not a neat freak either and have come to realize that for the most part my house needs to be organized. I have no storage places at all, so that leads to things being “stuck” everywhere.
I do have big plans to get my house organized this year.. It will never be completely clutter free but hopefully I can at least get the clutter organized.
Happy New Year to ya!
Franziska San Pedro says
January 2, 2013 at 2:22 pmI need a plan otherwise nothing gets done! On the other hand, it needs enough room to allow distraction -that’s my creative process. Because sometimes one good idea follows a new good idea that doesn’t allow waiting.
I usually do it a day before, so that I know what I wanted to do and I keep several notebooks to write all my ideas down. Most of it gets done in my head though, therefore I turn off everything that distracts me and do the thinking sort of like in a meditation stage (kinda like when driving the car).
Funny, I just read another blog post “word of the year” and within seconds I had mine: move/move forward! And I will 🙂
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
January 2, 2013 at 2:09 pmGreat word choice! I am by nature a planner, but I still find myself wasting time. It’s so easy to get sidetracked, especially with a computer on your lap! And I think clutter is an ongoing problem for most people. I’m dedicating the month of January to cleaning out and getting my home organized from top to bottom. The hard part will be keeping it that way!
Terri says
January 2, 2013 at 1:27 pmOh my gosh…I cannot believe you have started another blog…how FUN! Already checked it out and I must say you have inspired me to participate in this “31 day thing”! As you know, I don’t Facebook, but it looks like I will be able to view his daily videos…of course I am already one day behind because I just saw this…better get crackin’!
If you read my blog today, you know that I am “car-less”, so a perfect day to begin! Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh, and I love your new word of the year…I am not a good planner, so kudos to you!
Full Circle Creations says
January 2, 2013 at 1:20 pmGreat word! I still need to finalize my word of the year…I keep going back and forth between a couple of words. Good luck with your plan!
uniquelyyoursormine.com says
January 2, 2013 at 11:48 amMy biggest suggestion to use is to start small, that way you won’t get overwhelmed and quit. Also prioritize, put YOU first, because if you feel good everyone around you will feel that! Good luck… I’ve got my own scheduling problems too!
I Play Outside The Box says
January 2, 2013 at 11:30 amNo other word could have suited your desires more. You can and will succeed! Bravo for you!
Sue says
January 2, 2013 at 10:53 amGreat word for 2013! I know what you mean by putting off. My 2 weeks vacation are almost over and did I do all the stuff I planned? Nope, wasted time surfing to much. 🙁 Relaxing is great, but I think I relaxed myself to boredom.
Hugs,
Sue
Sandy says
January 2, 2013 at 10:12 amI am usually a planner. I need to know what I’m
doing and when I’m doing it. Makes for such a
smoother week.
Happy New Year
Sandy